The Shrine of the Black Madonna of Chestojova, Poland, one of the holiest sites of Christendom
They say that the great spiritual love of the young Wojtyla was the Black Madonna of Chestojova who visited several times as a student, priest, and the papal investiture as Pope John Paul II.
Since then, millions of Poles have become fervent Sanctuary one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Christendom.
The first historical records date back to 1382 when the Polish army who came to Poland to escape the Tartars, brought the image of the Black Madonna pierced by an arrow, a box rescued during the sack of Belz thanks to providential and mysterious cloud that covered the royal palace.
Four years icon was taken in a monastery built in Chestojova this purpose and soon after, the king sent out Jagielo a Gothic cathedral around the shrine of Our Lady of Chestojova.
In 1430 the Czech Hussites damage the image again with a sword and legend has it that when the monks were able to collect the mud and blood, causing a spring that used for cleaning. Are still visible today in the face of the Virgin scars Tartar arrow and sword.
But the miracle by which the Black Madonna of Chestojova is best known occurred in 1655 when Swedish troops invaded the city. Polish soldiers who defended the site, asked him earnestly to the Virgin for deliverance from the enemies who, unexpectedly and against all odds, they left without taking the Sanctuary.
The tunnels used by monks for refuge, also hosted several meetings of students and workers underground dissidents during the Soviet dictatorship.
Today is a religious and tourist destination that can join a taste for travel with the desire to renew the spirit.